Steamboat Springs — Strawberry Park Hot Springs owner Don Johnson is seeking permission from Routt County to build a two-story duplex guest cabin designed to evoke the elements of historic mines at the natural hot springs five miles north of Steamboat Springs.

The new building, designed by Michael JK Olsen, would essentially replace two older cabin rental units, upgrading them to a duplex, according to the developers. The project involves amending the existing county permit for the hot springs complex to allow the new duplex to be built on the site of an existing cabin, with a second cabin also to be removed.

Longtime Hot Springs Manager Joe Stepan said Thursday that, for Johnson, the new duplex cabin replacing the older cabins represents the latest step in realizing his ultimate vision for the hot springs park as he edges toward partial retirement.

“Given that this is Don’s baby, and it reflects his aesthetics, he has in his mind a vision of what it will ultimately be,” Stepan said. “He wants to be sure that vision is realized.”

The new duplex follows the recent modernization of a bathroom facility exclusive to overnight guests, Stepan added. The construction date of the duplex has not been determined.

Planning Director Chad Phillips said Thursday that, because the proposal essentially swaps two units for two newer units, the amendment to the permit is fairly straightforward, and he plans to consider its approval administratively.

A written description of the new guest cabin submitted by the owner indicates it will utilize wood beams, stone and rusted metal — elements that represent a theme at the hot springs.

The two existing cabins are designed to accommodate four guests and that occupancy level will be carried through in the two new duplex units, with a living area and kitchen on the first floor and sleeping quarters with a small restroom on the upper level.

In an interview for a previously published article, Johnson told Steamboat Today the water in Strawberry Park comes out of the ground at 147 degrees Fahrenheit.

Stepan moderates the water temperature to a range between 103 and 105 degrees by adjusting a wooden sluice gate that determines how much of the cold water from Hot Springs Creek is allowed to mingle with the water flowing from the hot springs.

To reach Tom Ross, call 970-871-4205, email tross@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @ThomasSRoss1